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Perspective: Demolishing the last vestiges of PDP’s misgovernance in Abia – Eagle Okoro

Published

1 year ago

August 27, 2024

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The State Government on Saturday, August 17, 2024 began to make good its vow to reclaim lands that were illegally acquired from government-owned schools by “smart” officials of the Okezie Victor Ikpeazu-led administration.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, gave the hint concerning the resolve of the State Executive Council (EXCO) to recover all the affected lands.Prince Kanu told journalists at a briefing in Umuahia that 180 public schools were “alienated and encumbered” through such unwholesome acquisition by functionaries of the last administration.

He said that Gov. Alex Otti had inaugurated a special committee to drive the process of the recovery of the parcels of land. Interestingly, the committee, headed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, with the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, as Secretary, commenced its assignment with the demolition of illegal structures erected on the property of the Government College, Umuahia.In a speech at the demolition site, the General Manager of Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Kingsley Agomoh, described the exercise as a warning to those who have the habit of encroaching on government land.Agomoh further said that the Abia State Government handed over the Government College, Umuahia to the Old Boys’ Association, along with a Certificate-of-Occupancy.He, therefore, wondered why some individuals would throw caution to the wind and embark on the sale of government land, stressing the need for people to properly enquire before entering into such transactions.Of course, the demolition at the Government College, Umuahia, where a great expanse of land was dubiously purchased by unscrupulous top government functionaries of the Ikpeazu’s unfortunate era, would be replicated in the remaining 179 identified schools and possibly more that might show up in the course of the committee’s assignment.

The racketeering that characterised the last administration, though typical of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was so highly irritating and scandalous as it was legendary of the party – a proof that a “leopard does not change its spots”. What a manner of irresponsible and indisciplined government it was that allowed such rascality to freely happen and the perpetrators are wishing that it be swept under the carpet? Such a felony and large-scale offence against the state could only be ignored by a compromised government. Or, better still, a “kporakpo” PDP administration.But it was fulltime for PDP’s litany of looting and acts of misdemeanor.

Their crimes had, indeed, run full circle and God decreed that “Enough is enough!” Enough of the deceit, treachery and subterfuge in governance. God said that Abia must be free and His people liberated! It is obvious that the recklessness in the governance of Abia was so possible for 24-long years because PDP strongly believed that it would remain in power “till thy kingdom come”, hence their slogan: “Abia is PDP; PDP is Abia!”And now that a new Sheriff is in town and a Daniel coming to judgment, it would certainly be nothing short of an intentional and irreversible demolition of all the evil and wicked vestiges of PDP’s bad governance, wherever they may still be existing.And make no mistake to expect a preservation of the anti-progressive status quo ante that stalled Abia’s prosperity and development for the more than two decades a bunch of insensitive political class in PDP reigned supreme.It has been repeatedly recommended that Gov. Otti must take decisive measures that are not only disruptive in nature but capable of upturning the status quo to be able to successfully move Abia on the path of transformation and development. Naturally, what is happening in the state today would not be welcoming to PDP and those that plundered and misappropriated the resources of Abia, having also wrecked the fortunes of the state due to their greed and insatiable quest for personal aggrandizement. As Seth Godin, an American teacher and renowned author, would say, “If you’re not upsetting anyone, you’re not changing the status quo”. Gov. Otti is determined to step on toes to be able to fix Abia and certainly owes no apologies to those who had for many decades stood as a cog in the wheel of Abia’ progress. They are the ones so so upset, ranting and raving, crying wolf over such corrective policies and programmes of his administration.It was here in Abia that a sitting governor of PDP stock purchased a state-of-the-art printing equipment, ostensibly for the state-owned National Ambassador Newspaper, only to allegedly divert the same to establish a private media outfit in Lagos. And, expectedly, nothing happened thereafter to date. That act of open thievery was swept under the carpet by the succeeding administration. But this time around, it would be self-delusion and mere wishful thinking for any reasonable Abian to expect that any of such callous abuse of power by Ikpeazu and/or his political acolytes, who shamelessly and unconscionably coveted public properties, should be ignored. Doing so would on its own be tantamount to another crime against the state. It is no longer a subject of debate or speculation that Gov. Otti has come to cleanse the Augean stables left behind by PDP, hence his government would continue to expose and deal with the mindless and unimaginable underhand dealings that were perpetrated against the state by PDP.Nothing can be more motivating and gratifying than when the governor looks back to appreciate what he has so far achieved in clearing the Okezie’s mess in the 15 months of his administration.Suffice it to state here that topping the list of his achievements is his effortless defrayal of the humongous N10 billion arrears of pensions bequeathed to his government by the Ikpeazu’s profligate eight-year tenure. Next was the defrayment of the staggering N50 billion salary arrears accummulated by Ikpeazu’s administration, in spite of having the grace of benefiting from the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s over N1 trillion Bailout Funds to states of the federation in August 2015. It is imperative to say that the Federal Government’s intervention was specifically tied to the payment of arrears of salaries and pensions owed by states.Unfortunately and ironically, too, Abia’s share of the bailout funds, totalling N14.2 billion, was scandalously squandered, while Ikpeazu allowed salaries and pensions to pile up.The same Ikpeazu-led government also received over N22 billion Paris Club Refund that was unaccounted for, yet Abia civil servants were owed several months of salary arrears under the pretext that Abia had no money.Today, what was deemed impossible under Ikpeazu and PDP has been seamlessly made possible by the governor. Abia workers and the respected senior citizens now receive bank alerts for their salaries and pensions on the 28th of every month.Little wonder the outcome of the 2023 Governorship poll caused Ikpeazu and his co-travellers in the ill-fated administration an unimaginable nightmare.Many hold the view that the racketeering on the landed property of public schools was only one aspect of the last vestiges of the odious PDP-led government. Consequently, it is expected that as more of such brazen misdeeds get uncovered, more bulldozers and necessary actions would be unleashed to deal summarily with them. Today, the attention is on public schools, who knows where else such an impunity might have recklessly happened but yet uncovered. As the efforts toward reimagining and building a new Abia by Gov. Otti’s administration gathers more momentum, the people expect the government to dig deeper to further uncover the hidden crimes perpetrated during Ikpeazu’s eight years. This is to further pave the way for greater sanity and unencumbered system.The more such unholy vestiges and traces of PDP’s impunty and malfeasance are exposed and demolished, the closer the march toward the realisation of the envisioned new Abia.

Eagle Okoro is a Public Affairs analyst and writes from Umuahia.

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My Successor in 2031 will be better than me”— Governor Otti

Published

1 week ago

January 18, 2026

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Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

eAbia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has said that, his successor in 2031 will be better than himself, adding he was laying a solid foundation for the development of the state.

Governor Otti stated this during the grande reception service organised in his honour by the Assemblies of God Church, Okaiuga – Nkwoegwu, Umuahia North LGA.

The governor said that he was just starting, and the time for the aggressive development of Abia State was then, adding that the curse that had held the State down has been broken.

“We have just started. We are not three years yet. So, you can imagine what will happen by the time we are done in 2031.

“So, you know there is a time and a season for everything. So, what we have started is the time for the aggressive development of Abia State.

“The news I have for Abia people is that we have broken that curse that held us down and whoever is going to succeed me will be better than me.

” So, when people think we are going to go back to them, they must be dreaming, we’ve moved,” Gov. Otti said.

Governor Otti said that, he believed in Psalms chapter 62 verse 11, which declared that, “God has spoken once, twice, have I heard this? That power belongs to God.

“So, you can do everything you want to do but, if it wasn’t God’s time, it will not work and when it’s God’s time, even if you are sleeping, God will wake you up,” he said.

.On their request for provision of a bus for evangelism and land for prayer camp, governor Otti confirmed to them that they would receive a hummer bus this week, courtesy of Prince, Dr. Arthur Eze, one of their guests.

He also directed the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, to meet with the Church leadership and work out modalities for securing a land for them as requested.

The State Chief Executive, who appreciated Churches in the State for the support given to his administration, thanked Assemblies of God Church for the reception organised for him.

Earlier in his speech, the District Superintendent, Assemblies of God Church, Jerusalem District, Rev. Dr Kenneth Ogbudu described the reception ceremony as a significant moment of history, and appreciation.

He said that Dr Alex Otti is a transformational leader, whose emergence has redefined governance in Abia State. He noted that, many administrations have come and gone but Governor Otti’s tenure represents a clear and commendable departure from the past.

“For the first time in our State’s history, governance is driven by competence, transparency, accountability, visible impact, and more promises and verifiable results.

“Under your (Gov. Otti’s) leadership, Abia State has witnessed a bold and deliberate restoration of public infrastructure – roads abandoned for decades have been reconstructed and reopened, “Connecting communities, easing transportation, stimulating commerce, and restoring the dignity of both urban and rural environments” Rev. Ogbudu said.

Rev. Ogbudu went further to note that the renewal of critical road networks across Aba and beyond by Governor Otti has revived economic activities and repositioned Abia State as a credible destination for investment.

He also said that beyond infrastructure, the administration has introduced “a new culture of fiscal discipline and prudent resource management.

“”Salaries and pensions are now paid with regularity and respect, restoring hope and dignity to the workers and retirees who were once forgotten. “For the first time since the creation of Abia State, public funds are being managed with transparency, accountability and confidence.

“Your excellency has also demonstrated uncommon courage in institutional reforms, cleaning up public systems, strengthening governance structures, and insisting that public office must serve the people rather than personal interests,” Rev. Ogbudu maintained.

The servant of God used the opportunity to request the Governor to provide them with a Hummer bus to support evangelism and the allocation of land for a prayer village for the Church.

The wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, the member representing Ikwuano/ Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly and other members, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba Ph.D, Commissioner for Transport Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to the Governor, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu among others were present at the reception service.

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Road Transportation: Umuahia Central bus terminal nears completion as gov. Otti inspects project

Published

3 weeks ago

January 8, 2026

csunews

By Editor, Umuahia

Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti, on Wednesday, January 7th, inspected the ongoing construction of the Umuahia central bus terminal by his administration. It is the first of its kind in the state even as the governor equally said that such terminals were not new as they exist in other parts of the World.

Speaking to newsmen during the inspection, the governor explained the reason behind his decision to embark on the mega project, saying that it was better to centralise transport terminals, instead of having them scattered.

“It is nothing new; it has been done elsewhere. When you go to the UK, Paddington Terminal ensures convergence of the railway and other means of transportation and of course you have shopping plaza, cinema, hotel, everything is there.

“”So, we thought we should concentrate all those transport terminals in this place instead of having different terminals at different places in the town,” Gov. Otti said.

Governor Otti appreciated the quality and level of progress of the work done so far and expressed the hope that, by the end of January, the project, if not completed, would have been close to completion.

“The work is going on very well and the consultants are very, very up to the task. I’m happy with the progress of work. I’m glad with the level of progress and with the quality of work.

“”Hopefully, before the end of this month, they would have gone far. But, what I see here gives me an impression that by the end of the month, if they haven’t completed, they would be very close to completing it.

“But, even if they need more time, I’ll give them more time because it’s better done right the first time, but, so far so good,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu corroborated the governor’s statement saying that the essence of building the bus terminal was to centralize all parks in Umuahia.

“We just wanted to centralise all transport activities, and that was why His Excellency, in his wisdom decided to build a central bus terminal to stand as a one-stop transport hub for all commuters, passengers, and travellers.

“Whatever mode of transport you want to use to travel, once you come into the central bus terminal, you’ll be able to get it.

“We planned siting the railway station there. Then, you have the bus station and all the parks.

“All the parks in Umuahia will be brought in here. We are going to have a centralised park system in Umuahia and Aba.

“You know, we are also building the same in Aba, which will be completed hopefully by May,” Dr Ukaegbu said.

Governor Otti also inspected the ongoing road project works around Cooperatives, Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende road, among others. At Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende road, Craneburg representative, Engineer Yousef Tawk received Governor Otti and explained the details of the work done so far as the Governor engaged him meaningfully, with both of them agreeing on what should be done to ensure long-lasting solution to a part of the road that has a valley by the side. Gov. Otti urged the contractor to target completing the road project before the rainy season sets in.

Governor Otti equally used the opportunity to interact with passengers and members of the crew of the Abia Electric Buses, which have been offering free service to Abians and visitors since it was launched last December, to ensure that things are working well as he directed during the launch.

The Governor was joined on the inspections by the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, General Manager Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, among others.

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OMPAN AGM: Dep. Speaker Benjamin Kalu Ph.D as Patron

Published

2 months ago

December 11, 2025

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Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Ph.D, CFR, is the Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of
Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where he represents the Bende Federal
Constituency of Abia State.

He is a seasoned legislator, legal practitioner, international
businessman, peace advocate, and global thought leader in governance and development.

Kalu’s career spans over two decades of impactful service across the public and private sectors.
He began as Chairman, Bende Local Government Area of Abia state, and later served as Executive
Adviser to the Governor of Abia State on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and
International Relations before rising to national prominence in the House of Representatives. First
elected in 2019, he distinguished himself serving as the Chairman, House Committee on Media
and Public Affairs as well as the Spokesperson of the House; role he handled with clarity,
diplomacy and excellence.

As Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee
on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) he leads one of the most consequential
national assignments, shaping constitutional reforms that deepen democracy, promote inclusion, and
national unity.

He also represents Nigeria on the global stage as Chairman of the ECOWAS Parliament
Committee on Administration, Finance and Budget; Member of the Pan-African
Parliament; Steering Committee Member of the WTO Parliamentary Conference; and Member of
the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Academically, Kalu is deeply grounded. He holds a Ph.D. in Law from the University of Calabar and
a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Strategic Studies from the University of Abuja. He also earned an LL.M
in Terrorism and International Humanitarian Law (with Distinction) from the University of Calabar,
an MBA from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom.

He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2011.
Kalu has further enriched his expertise through executive programs at prestigious institutions,
including; Leadership for the 21st Century, Harvard Kennedy School, USA, Governance &
Development Program, Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami, USA,
Environmental Crimes, United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute
(UNICRI), Italy, Migration and Human Rights, John Cabot University, Italy, Illicit
Trade, University of Groningen, Netherlands, International Commercial Arbitration, Chartered
Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), UK.

His scholarly contributions include published works on climate adaptation policy, food security,
and security sector reforms in Africa, underscoring his role as a scholar-practitioner bridging
research and governance.

In the private sector, Kalu has held various leadership positions across Africa, Europe, and
Australia including as Director at Solcarbon SA-NV (Belgium), Ozbok Australia PTY LTD
(Sydney), and Belcarbon SA (Belgium). He also serves as Principal Arbitrator at Silk Partners LLP
(Nigeria), where he advises on commercial law, arbitration, and international business strategy.

Kalu’s passion for peace and development finds expression in the Peace in the South East Project
(PISE-P), an initiative he convened to promote dialogue, inclusivity, and non-kinetic solutions to
security challenges in Nigeria’s South East. His humanitarian footprint also extends through
the Benjamin Kalu Foundation, which for over two decades has provided interventions
in healthcare, education, and empowerment for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
In recognition of his outstanding service to the nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,
conferred on him the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu stands as a visionary leader for the 21st century blending law,
policy, diplomacy, and humanitarianism to shape a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous
Nigeria, Africa, and world.